Muslim

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: By "reduction" (wada‘) is meant that the original amount is lessened, and that one should show leniency in demanding it, and act with ease, or that the loss I have incurred should be waived, and the price of what remains should also be reduced. When the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) arrived upon hearing the voices of both parties and said: to swear an oath not to accept the debtor’s request is to swear an oath not to do good, which is not befitting for a Muslim. So Ka‘b ibn Malik (radi Allahu anhu) understood the words of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), and became willing to accept the request of Abdullah ibn Abi Hadrad, that whatever he prefers, I am ready to do that. Then, at the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) instruction, he forgave half the debt. From this hadith it is understood that the debtor may request the creditor to forgive all or part of the debt, and forgiving it is a commendable act, and it is also permissible to intercede in this matter.

Hadith Commentary:
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) instructed reconciliation between both parties, and from this the objective of the chapter is established.
Hafiz (rahimahullah) said: The names of those people are not known.
The translation of the chapter is derived from the fact that you (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked about the person who was swearing not to speak kindly.
It is as if you considered his action to be wrong and indicated towards reconciliation.
He understood, and as soon as you inquired, he himself said: “Whatever my debtor wishes, I accept.”
This person, out of respect and reverence for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), immediately, upon receiving your indication, announced a reduction in the debtor’s debt.
It is better for a person to bear some personal loss out of respect for elders.

Hadith Commentary:
(1)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) inquired:
“Where is the one who swore an oath not to speak a good word?” It is as if he (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) considered this action to be blameworthy and advised reconciliation.
He understood your (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) indication and, of his own accord, said:
Whatever my debtor wishes, I accept.

(2)
The purpose of Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) is to show that a judge may order a decision that is in the best interest of both parties, even if it results in a delay in the fulfillment of someone’s right, provided that it does not cause significant harm.
If the second party is not agreeable, then the judge should order the debtor to pay the full right. Thus, the person involved in the incident, out of respect and reverence for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), upon perceiving his indication, announced a reduction in the debtor’s debt.